GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Van Andel Arena has agreed to a four-year extension of the Great Lakes Invitational, with the Western Michigan hockey team set to play in the event in 2024 and 2026. 

The Broncos have an 9-3-1 record at the GLI, including four MacInnes Cups. The Broncos won last year's Great Lakes Invitational by defeating Michigan Tech and Ferris State. WMU outscored those two opponents 16-3 in the tournament. Outside of last year's championship, the Broncos have taken the trophy home in 2016, 2013 and 1986. The Broncos also won the opening round of the tournament in 2021-22 before Michigan backed out of the championship game, which led to no crowned champion. 

In terms of future matchups, the Broncos will see Michigan Tech, Northern Michigan and Michigan State in the 2024 field. For the 2026 tournament, Western Michigan will see the likes of Michigan Tech, Notre Dame and Michigan State. 

"Van Andel Arena is excited to host the Great Lakes Invitational tournament for the next four years," said ASM Global Regional General Manager for Van Andel Arena, Richard MacKeigan. "We hope to build on the success of last year's event to create an annual tradition for the Grand Rapids community and hockey fans from all over the state and the country."

The Great Lakes Invitational was first played in 1965 after the idea for the tournament was conceived and implemented by Michigan Tech coach John MacInnes, Olympia Stadium General Manager Lincoln Cavalieri, and Detroit Red Wings Scout Jack Paterson. The tournament has been played at Olympia Stadium (1965-78), Joe Louis Arena (1979–2012, 2014–16), Comerica Park (2013), Little Caesars Arena (2018-19), and Van Andel Arena (2022). COVID-19 canceled the 2020 GLI and teams played a non-tournament showcase-style event in 2021.